COVID-19 Weight Gain

Well, as you know 2020 was very “unprecedented” – gyms closed, shops ran out of toilet paper, people worked from home, kids home schooled, no eating out at restaurants, learnt new terms like social distancing and vertical drinking, the Olympics got postponed, professional sports played no spectators, etc, etc. COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work and along the way it made some people feel isolated and created stress – both emotionally and financially (with job losses and businesses closing).

Studies have shown that the pandemic reduced physical activity levels due to people working from home (less incidental exercise from commuting to work or taking the kids to school) and an increase in screen time. Structured exercise time also decreased. In addition, the research reported an increase of 60% in junk food consumption, while 63% reported an increase in snacking. All these factors contributed towards a pandemic weight gain.

It’s not all doom and gloom and here are a few simple tips to get back to a healthier, fitter, pre COVID-19 you:

• MOVE – move as much as possible throughout the day and put entries in your diary/calendar to exercise. Park the car further away from the entrance of the shopping centre, walk around the block when you’re out getting your coffee or lunch, or get off the bus earlier so you’ll have further to walk.
• PLAN – plan what you’re going to eat for the week. This will also cut down on the time you will spend shopping for groceries. Search the internet for healthy recipes – look for recipes that have the least amount of processed food. Aim for 5 different vegetables and 2 pieces of fruit each day.
• WATCH – watch the amount of liquid calories (alcohol, fruit juice, soft drinks) and junk food that you consume.
• STRESS – manage your stress by meditating, practicing yoga, exercising or catching up with friends.

Contact Us if you want to get back to a healthy weight. We can tailor a plan to help you get moving and eating healthily.

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